Comcast launches Big Ten Network in Southwest Florida

Comcast of Southwest Florida, serving more than 350,000 customers in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry Counties announced today that it has reached agreement to carry the Big Ten Network, a national network dedicated exclusively to Big Ten Conference television programming. The announcement was made today by Comcast Area Vice President Barbara Hagen and Big Ten Network President Mark Silverman.

In making the announcement Hagen said the cable system believes the network, dedicated to showcasing the nation's premier athletic and academic conference will be an instant hit with the Big Ten fans in the area.

"We're really very pleased that our customers are able to get the Big Ten Network," said Hagen. "Southwest Florida is obviously an extended part of Big Ten country, and I expect the Big Ten Network will become a popular destination for our customers very, very quickly."

Silverman said in agreeing to carry the network, Comcast is in tune with its customers -- the passionate Big Ten fans who live in Southwest Florida. "Comcast believes that the network is compelling and attractive to its subscribers, who will enjoy unparalleled coverage of Big Ten sports, as well as campus programming featuring entertaining stories about what's happening at their favorite universities," he said.

Comcast customers will find the Big Ten Network in the Sports & Entertainment tier on channel 265 and former Time Warner customers will find it in the Sports & Entertainment tier on channel 373. The cost for the tier is $5 per month. For more information, contact Comcast at 598-1104.

The Big Ten Network produced more than 400 live events during its first year. The network launched August 30, 2007, and quickly became the premier destination for Big Ten fans across the country. The Big Ten Network was the first network in television history to ever surpass 30 million homes in its first 30 days on the air.

Operating 24-hours a day, 365-days a year, the Big Ten Network showcases a wide array of classic-to-current sports, as well as original programming produced by the network and by the conference's 11 member institutions. Each year, the network produces approximately 40 football games, 140 regular season men's basketball games, 55 women's basketball games, dozens of Big Ten Championships, 170 NCAA Championship sporting events, coaches' shows, classic games, original programming, such as the critically-acclaimed reality series, The Journey, and more highlights, interviews and analysis than anywhere else

throughout the year on the nightly studio show, Big Ten Tonight, and more than 600 hours of campus programming showcases activities and accomplishments of some of the nation's finest universities.